The Site
FOR DETAILS OF ACCOMMODATIONS: CLICK HERE
FOR A TOUR: CLICK HERE
FAA Airport Indentifier: 0GE3 More Info
Click here to download an Acrobat PDF printable version of the map. (.pdf)
Click here to download an Acrobat PDF printable version of the Landing Zone map. (.pdf)
THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED CONCRETE RADIAL RAMP…
A technologically advanced concrete radial ramp designed for the safe launching of Hang Gliders:
RATING: H2
WIND: Northwest
AGL:1340′
MSL: 2020′
Radial concrete ramp
Lookout Mountain’s main launch is a large concrete ramp facing northwest. With over 20 miles of ridge running SW to NE, Lookout Mountain is one of Georgia’s most scenic areas.
To the SW is Cloudland Canyon State Park, and to the NE is the City of Chattanooga, the flight park is located about 6 miles NE from Cloudland Canyon.
The ridge is soarable in 5 to10 mph west to north winds. The ramp creates “ramp suck” on windy NW days that require 5 and sometimes 6 man wire crews. In light winds, 3 to 4 running steps and a low nose angle are all that is needed.
During light cycles on tailing days, the mountain is launchable with a hard run. On SW days, there is a hole created by a rotor from the pro shop building and trees to the left of launch. This hole causes gliders to drop low after launch; a good launch requires a low nose angle.
The ramp is huge, there is room for 6 man wire crews. The setup area can handle about 25 gliders.
The LZ provides a large and afe landing area with plenty of smooth grass. The LZ is 2600′ x 1000′ (about 44 acres), about one mile in front of launch. On strong NW days the LZ can be very switchy and turbulent because of the strong rotor caused by the foothills. Also the LZ can be very turbulent during mid day conditions.
The Ridge:
Photograghed from about 1000′ over, from the SW side of the ridge looking NE. The flight park is located near the middle of the ridge line in this photo. The LZ is the large open field in front of launch. The City of Chattanooga is located just beyond the point of the ridge that is visible in this photograph.
The Landing Zone:
A glider about to land on the target.
Images of construction of the Ramp in 2006:
